Palawan State University (PalawanSU) held a Student Internship Exit Conference on October 13 at the Faculty Research Training Center to mark the completion of the research term of Marius Lacomme, a foreign marine research intern hosted by the university’s Marine Science Research Center (MSRC).

Lacomme, a 22-year-old materials science and engineering student from ENSMAC (Graduate School of Chemistry, Biology and Physics at Bordeaux INP) in France, completed his internship at the MSRC from June to October 2026. Specialized in polymers, composite materials, sustainable materials, and material characterization, Lacomme focused his internship on marine and environmental research projects. During the exit conference, he presented his final report detailing his research activities and findings.

The conference formally opened with remarks from Dr. Floredel Dangan-Galon, Dean of the College of Sciences.

In his address, PalawanSU President Dr. Venzon L. Limpiada expressed appreciation to Lacomme for his contributions to the university’s research endeavors.

President Limpiada highlighted that addressing plastic pollution, developing sustainable materials, and maintaining ocean health are shared global concerns that necessitate cross-border and multidisciplinary collaboration. He also recognized the Marine Science Research Center and university faculty members for their role in mentoring international scholars and hosting research exchanges.

Additionally, Dr. Lhynette T. Zambales, Director of the Transnational Education, International Affairs, and Linkages Office (TNEIALO), delivered a message highlighting the university’s initiative and support regarding foreign studies and international academic engagements at PalawanSU.

Eva Coleman, a Fulbright grantee affiliated with PalawanSU and the MSRC from October 2026 to June 2027, also shared insights on her ongoing research examining how remote sensing can be used to monitor and map seaweed aquaculture and natural seaweed populations in Palawan.

The hosting of international interns underscores PalawanSU’s ongoing efforts to enhance research collaboration, foster global academic partnerships, and advance studies in marine and environmental science.

Photo Courtesy of PalawanSU-OUP